Study Finds 40% of Musicians Face Tinnitus and Hearing Issues

Research reveals higher rates of tinnitus, hearing loss, and hyperacusis among musicians compared to non-musicians.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery has found that musicians face substantially higher rates of tinnitus, hearing loss, and hyperacusis compared to non-musicians. The study pooled data from 67 studies encompassing more than 28,000 musicians across 21 countries and discovered that 42.6% of musicians reported tinnitus, 25.7% experienced hearing loss, and 37.3% had hyperacusis.

Why it matters

Many musicians quietly live with auditory issues like ringing ears, sound sensitivity, and hearing loss, regardless of the genre they play. This research challenges previous assumptions that only certain types of musicians are at risk, suggesting that auditory risk extends across musical genres. Understanding the prevalence of these issues can help provide tailored advice to protect musicians' hearing without sacrificing their passion for music.

The details

The study found no significant difference in the prevalence of hearing loss, hyperacusis, or tinnitus between classical and pop/rock musicians, suggesting that individual factors like instrument type, seating position, room acoustics, and attitudes toward hearing protection may play a more critical role in auditory risk than genre alone. Among musicians who experienced tinnitus, the majority (76.3%) described their symptoms as occasional, while 15.6% reported permanent tinnitus. Approximately 63% of musicians' hearing loss cases were based on subjective self-report, with only about 37% confirmed through objective audiometric testing, indicating the true prevalence may be even higher.

  • The study was published on February 18, 2026.

The players

Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

The official peer-reviewed publication of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, which publishes contemporary, ethical, clinically relevant information in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery.

American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF)

One of the world's largest organizations representing specialists who treat the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck, with approximately 13,000 members.

Shaun A. Nguyen, MD

Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“Many musicians quietly live with ringing ears, sound sensitivity, or hearing loss, no matter whether they play in a symphony hall or a small club. Yet the research we have is still imperfect, often based on self-reported symptoms and missing details about things like other loud hobbies, specific instruments, and how consistently people use hearing protection. What we really need now is more personal, musician-entered risk profiling so we can offer practical, tailored advice that helps artists protect their hearing without sacrificing the music they love.”

— Shaun A. Nguyen, MD, Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina (Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery)

The takeaway

This study highlights the significant auditory health challenges faced by musicians across genres, underscoring the need for more comprehensive research and tailored hearing protection strategies to support the long-term well-being of artists without compromising their creative passions.